HomeMy WebLinkAbout20210552 Ver 1_BR-0033 NLEB and Gray Bat - SLOPES_20210916
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
ROY COOPER J. ERIC BOYETTE
GOVERNOR SECRETARY
Mailing Address:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS UNIT
1598 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH, NC 27699-1598
Telephone: (919) 707-6000
Fax: (919) 250-4224
Customer Service: 1-877-368-4968
Website: www.ncdot.gov
Location:
1000 BIRCH RIDGE DRIVE
RALEIGH, NC 27610
September 10, 2021
TO: Jeff Hemphill, Environmental Senior Specialist
Environmental Coordination & Permitting Group, EAU
FROM: Melissa Miller, Environmental Program Consultant
Biological Surveys Group, EAU
SUBJECT: Section 7 survey results for the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis),
and gray bat (Myotis grisescens) associated with the replacement of Bridge
No. 84 over I-40 on SR 1234 in McDowell County, TIP No. BR-0033.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT, Division 13) proposes to replace
Bridge No. 84 over I-40 on SR 1234 in McDowell County, TIP No. BR-0033. The existing
bridge is a four span structure with steel beams, concrete deck, end walls and guard rails. The
overall length of the structure is 233 feet.
Northern long-eared bat
The project to replace Bridge No. 84 has been reviewed for effects on the northern long-eared bat
(NLEB). As of May 4, 2015, NLEB is listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as
“Threatened” under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. As of September 10, 2021, NLEB is
listed in IPaC (https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/) as occurring in McDowell County.
According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) Biotics Database, most
recently updated July 2021, the nearest NLEB hibernacula record is 15 miles southwest of the
project and no known NLEB roost trees occur within 150 feet of the project area.
NCDOT has also reviewed the USFWS Asheville Field office website
(http://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmls/project_review/NLEB_in_WNC.html) for consistency with
NHP records. This project is located entirely outside of the red highlighted areas (12-digit HUC)
that the USFWS Asheville Field Office has determined to be representative of an area that may
require consultation. The closest 12 digit (030501010202) red HUC is approximately 10 miles
away (North Fork Catawba River).
On June 9, 2021, NV5 biologists assessed bridge No. 84 for potential northern long-eared bat
habitat. Suitable roosting crevices and deck drains were present on the structure. No
evidence (bats, staining, and guano) of bats was observed. Bridge No. 84 was previously
surveyed in 2018 by NCDOT biologists. No evidence of bats in any form (bats, guano, staining)
was observed during that survey. Snags and shaggy barked trees greater than 3”dbh are
present within the project area. Based on the presence of suitable roost trees, NCDOT
recommends a Biological Conclusion of May Affect Not Likely To Adversely Affect for the
northern long-eared bat. In order to minimize impacts to potential roosting habitat, a tree
clearing moratorium may be required between April 1 and October 15 of any year.
Gray bat
The project to replace Bridge No. 84 has also been reviewed for effects on the gray bat (MYGR).
As of April 28, 1976, the gray bat was listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as
“Endangered” under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. As of September 10, 2021, MYGR is
listed in IPaC (https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/) as occurring in McDowell County.
According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) Biotics Database, most
recently updated in July 2021, MYGR have been documented in McDowell County. USFWS,
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) and NHP data indicate that the closest
known occurrence of MYGR is approximately 7 miles northeast of the project site.
On June 9, 2021, NV5 biologists assessed bridge No. 84 for potential gray bat habitat. Suitable
roosting crevices and deck drains were present on the structure. No evidence of bats (bats,
staining, or guano) was observed. Bridge No. 84 was previously surveyed in 2018 by NCDOT
biologists. No evidence of bats in any form (bats, guano, staining) was observed during that
survey. No caves or mines are located within the project footprint or within line of sight of the
bridge. Based on the bridge type, and the lack of caves or mines in the project vicinity, NCDOT
recommends a Biological Conclusion of MAY AFFECT NOT LIKLEY TO ADVERSELY
AFFECT for gray bats.
If you need any additional information, please contact Melissa Miller at 919-707-6127.